Number Shark Intervention

Numbershark is a computer programme to help develop knowledge of basic number facts. The program teaches and reinforces maths using a wide variety of carefully designed games. There are over 600 topics to choose from. The topics address each of the number operations, + - x ÷ plus fractions, decimals and simple percentages, in very gradual steps. A section of graded word problems is included. The topics are quick to access and clear examples are given on screen.

Numbershark gives a fresh set of ‘sums’ each time a topic is selected. The wide variety of games and options give many ways to practise the same work and to promote both the understanding and the memorising of number facts, whilst maintaining interest.

The programme addresses issues of poor short term memory, limited attention span and poor sequencing skills. To help those with dyslexia and dyscalculia , or those who prefer to learn visually, many of the games give a visual idea of what is happening when you add, subtract, multiply or divide. Numbers are shown as objects, digits, rods, or on an abacus, a number line, a number pad, a 100 square - to help basic understanding. Fractions and decimals are also shown visually.

At Cranfield Church of England Academy Numbershark is used to support individual children who have significant difficulty in acquiring number facts.